I really hope no outsiders were trying to keep up with the MTL, since I guess I never got round to celebrating the eventual victor. I got lazy and busy. I do apologize. But Michael Henderson's Prypiat Giant Rats will be celebrated plenty on Sunday night, at what is the concluding event of easily the greatest Superbowl Weekend Event in the UK. 

It's late and I don't have much to say. But this is what i'll be bringing to the table on Sunday night. 

Say hello to a litre of sauce, about 10lbs of pulled pork, 40 ribs, 40 wings and a whole load of Texas style beans.

Ribs, wings, and pork butt, each clingfilmed and refrigerated in their own specific Christie 'Q Rub over night.

(I couldn't resist. I had a wing. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's probably the best wing i've ever tasted that wasn't made at a WingStop.)

Half of the pork, just as it is about to be slow cooked to heaven.

Half of the pulled pork, lightly dressed, juicy and tender as you've ever eaten. 

A kilo of pinto beans, soaking overnight. I have a date with those bad boys at 9AM. 

Good lord I love Superbowl Weekend.

This is a question to all you women-loving (and men-loving if that's your ting) gentlemen out there (apologies if I am assuming too much about the mm demographic here).

In a fortnight's time, Valentine's Day will be upon us. For the young, free and single, Valentine's Day will pass them by in the same way that Burns' night leaves no indelible mark upon those outside of Scotland (and most of those living in that place as well).

But for those of us with lady friends/lovers/other halves/significant others/wives, Valentine's poses a bloody tricky question. Do you go all out and spoil your lady, over-doing things by throwing chocolates, flowers, a meal at a restaurant and a trip to the theatre/cinema/dog-track*? Or do you take a more subtle approach and treat Valentine's as a day where you buy her nothing but deliver caring and cost-effective comments such as 'your hair does look like it is attached to your head' and 'I do love the way that you have two eyes'.

If you plump for the former, you risk having to out-do your performance year on year, lest the lady in your life begins to doubt your continuing love. If you plump for the latter, well, you're basically saying that you couldn't be arsed.

What does mm think? Where is the line to be drawn between extravagence and neglect?

*not literally. Past experience says this is a mistake and one your lady companion will not forgive in a hurry. If she survives the deluge of objects flying through the air in her general direction

Disclaimer: comments will not be used as the basis of my treatment of Fiona this Valentine's. As you all know, I'm a soppy romantic at heart and have a veritable carnival of show- and heart-stopping moments planned for that weekend.

This sums up my initial reactions perfectly...

Top 10 Reasons the Apple will put the Kindle out of Business

1) The multi-functional capability. Buy a Kindle and you get… a reader. Another dedicated device to carry. Buy an iPad, and you get a whole new companion that can do pretty much anything. Games, movies, browsing, documents, and more—all in one. And zillions of iPhone apps. It’s sooooo much more than a reader, it’s a whole-life device.

via TechCrunch 

28/01/10 - edited by Phil to be 100% less plagiarised.

Some advisors took the 'sunshine is the best disinfectant' soundbite a tad too seriously...

I have been struck down with flu. Well actually it is more likely to be just a common cold. But I have been telling everyone else it is flu so I dont see why the mango should be any different.

And therein lies a common thread. Most men will take serious injuries on the chin. Though not exclusively there - unless you're Jimmy Hill. If you break your leg, you dont complain about it on twitter or facebook. Instead you suck it up and start on your crutches.

Yet the common cold can have even the best of men simpering like Zed in Pulp Fiction post-groinal shooting. I am wrapped up in a blanket with the heating on full blast complaining that it is too damn cold and sniffling and sneezing the afternoon away.

So to all those men suffering from 'flu' - I feel your pain and salute you.